A Message from the CTO:

Since the last IT Update, significant enhancements to the IT infrastructure at Troy University have occurred. We hope you enjoy reading through the Fall 2011 issue. The statistics, accomplishments and future plans reveal meaningful insight into the work of your IT support staff. The OUCH! newsletter is particularly timely – safety tips and suggestions are offered regarding social networking.

The 2011 IT Summit was well-received. Over 300 colleagues participated at the event and 831 viewed sessions through the webcast. Your participation in the event serves several purposes; significant among which is the feedback from forums and surveys. Those elements are instrumental in our annual planning process and constant effort to improve service offerings. We look forward to the 2012 IT Summit.

In the coming year, additional infrastructure projects will emerge, new email system enhancements will be deployed, new interfaces to current systems will be tested and significant changes to the Troy web presences will be revealed.

New technologies emerge constantly; contact IT if you need assistance in reviewing devices and/or software before purchasing. The current hot technology is ultra-mobile computing. Many employees have purchased the devices, believing that they are a suitable replacement for laptops or desktop computers – they are not, at least not in the current form. The devices have yet to mature for the business environment – in most cases, synchronization with a traditional computer is required, and, due to limited storage and interfaces to pervasive, traditional technology, the devices are not suitable for everyone.

In this issue, we have a link to a security publication, OUCH!, published by SANS. The Troy IT department is a participant in the project, Securing The Human, as the SANS institute; a benefit of our participation is free distribution of the OUCH! security newsletter. The current issue details best practices regarding the use of Social Networking.

As always, continue to practice safe computing habits: do not share login credentials or personal data via email, do not leave applications running on an unattended PC.

Thanks.

W. Greg Price

University Wide News

OUCH! Newsletter

This is the latest issue to a security publication, OUCH!, published by SANS. The Troy IT department is a participant in the project, Securing The Human, as the SANS institute; a benefit of our participation is free distribution of the OUCH! security newsletter.

IT Summit

The Troy University IT Summit was held July 18-19 2011 at the IT Facility in Troy, Alabama. The Summit's intent was to update and educate the TROY community about the resources and solutions offered by TROY IT and to engage in best practices with departments to capitalize on IT resources. More than 300 end-users were in attendance during the two-day event, which focused on "Deploying Cutting Edge Products and Services," "Technology Workforce Development," and "Emerging Technology." In an effort to save travel cost and assist those who could not leave their offices, sessions were streamed live for the first time. There were 38 sessions and 831 end-users who tuned in live via the web. Many of these end-users would not have benefitted from the training if it was not for the live video streaming.

Thank you for your continued support of IT and our technology endeavors - we look forward to 2012.

Additions to the Parature CRM

Technical Services have added new divisions to our CRM, Parature helpdesk.
During the Summer Academic Student Services, Marketing, and IRPE were added. Angel is working with several of the Student Services division; Records, Admissions, and Non-Academic Student Services.

The addition of Records, Admissions, and Non-Academic Student Services will allow students to place requests regarding various issues within these areas.

Chat Live with Support

The chat feature has been deployed for many of the University Support areas such as, Information Technology, Blackboard, Remote Proctor, and Instructional Design.

The IT department has also extended the chat hours until 7:00PM on Monday and Wednesday nights. Please feel free to log on and chat with a Technology support rep.

You may use the chat feature by going to the helpdesk website at: http://helpdesk.troy.edu and clicking the chat button.

Online Training Portal

Technical Services continues to offer the MS Office and Windows 7 training sessions through the online learning portal. In addition to the standard offerings, Angel Johnson has added all the training sessions held during the 2011 IT Summit to the online training portal as well. These sessions were an enormous success; IT hopes to add additional session throughout the year. If your department would like to add a training guide, please contact the IT department.

IT Summit

The Dothan IT staff presented sessions at the Troy IT Summit including Microsoft Word and 21st Century Classroom.

Ft. Rucker Computer Lab

The Ft. Rucker computer lab has been upgraded and a second computer lab established in the newly assigned 2nd floor classrooms in the Admin building. Additionally, computers and document cameras have been added to selected classrooms. Internet access is also provided by extending the wired and wireless networks to the second floor.

Dothan Campus Computer Lab Upgrades

Two Dothan Campus computer labs have been upgraded with new computers and a fresh installation of software applications to allow faculty and students an enjoyable computer lab experience.

Montgomery Campus News

Upgrade to communication closet

Upgrade to Building 136's communication closet began. Relocation of Ethernet panels and recertification of all 1000BaseT communication outlets, combined with a centralized and enhanced Cisco switching fabric, improves communication speeds, consolidates switch management, provides redundancy and a foundation for a future VoIP implementation. Two of the three floors' convergence is complete; the third floor will be completed by the end of November.

Cisco wireless network expansion

Our Cisco wireless network continues to expand with additional Access Point installations. 3 APs were recently added, 5 more are planned in the next quarter. Cisco switch upgrades in each campus building are facilitating support of 802.11n connectivity and Gigabit Access Point support.

Nursing Computer Lab Upgrade

IT recently replaced the computers in the School of Nursing lab and upgraded the software to Windows 7 and Office 2010.

Gunter Annex Shutdown

Operations at the Gunter Annex have been shutdown and computer/network equipment is being integrated into the downtown network.

Phenix City Campus News

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Implemented

Phenix City IT has installed Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to allow local distribution of OS patches and updates to campus computers. This removes the requirement for each computer to download patches from the Internet but instead allows updates to be downloaded from the campus network saving bandwidth and time. WSUS also allows IT to control updates that are applied to the computer.

Phenix City Lab Updates

The Phenix City School of Business labs available for general student use were updated to Windows 7 and Office 2010 in preparation for Fall semester course content. Other software updates were applied as necessary. The labs were also setup to pull updates from the local WSUS server.

Confucius Institute

IT Network Division has now completed setup and installation of additional equipment and has turned up network services in Bibb Graves Hall for the Confucius Institute. The project consists of wired and wireless connectivity in all Confucius areas.

Bibb Graves Renovation Project

IT has completed all networking projects associated with Bibb Graves Hall including wired and wireless installation, Department moves and printer assignments.

Dining Hall Project

The Troy University Dining Hall has now been completed. IT has installed more than 35 Access Points in the dining areas for 100% coverage for wireless coverage. This includes seating areas outside the building as well.

Network Distribution Re-alignment Project

IT Network Division has now completed the realignment of fiber so that each of the distribution points for the network across campus now has a direct fiber optic feed back to the network core inside Bibb Graves Hall. Previously, several distribution points "daisy-chained" off each other, potentially creating information bottlenecks inside the network.

Network Authenticated Login

Troy IT and Impulse have now implemented the Troy University Intranet "Landing Page" for all Alabama, Georgia and Florida campuses. The Intranet page will be for internal information to be disseminated to entire groups on a quicker scale. Also, users can get assistance with common Network Authentication issues by visiting https://it.troy.edu/networking/nac.html . Feel free to check out the FAQ section as well.

Digital Signage

IT Network Division assisted other areas of IT in providing many Digital Signage devices around campus. These displays can be updated and maintained across the University network from a remote location at any time.

RESNET Bandwidth Upgrade

Troy IT completed the upgrade and deployment of additional bandwidth from AT&T to the RESNET network. The upgrade increases the RESNET bandwidth from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps.

Online Knowledgebase

IT has been utilizing the Parature Helpdesk for some time now. The network division has been working on some "Self Help" Q&A that has now been posted in the "Knowledgebase" section inside http://helpdesk.troy.edu . Please make sure to visit and check this out and feel free to forward us what you think may be addressed as issues that would make self troubleshooting better for everyone.

Department of Human Services

Technical Services completed new PC set-ups for the Department of Human Services, Rehab and Social Work. Three of the old PC's from that department have been reconfigured and will be recycled at Troy University Group Home.

Classroom Technology and Labs

Technical Services updated IT instructions for technology classrooms in COE, GAB and SCOB, also updated the software that is used in all classrooms on campus. This included how to turn on and off all technology equipment in the classroom, how to use the Elmo document camera, and changing video sources and display modes. Faculty and staff will benefit greatly with the instructions and will help them to be more proficient in their teaching environment.

Art & Design MAC Lab

Technical Services reviewed and updated MAC's within the Art and Design lab. Also, updated firmware, checked RAM, and explained to Lab Administrator about lab maintenance and up-keep the lab.

Nursing Lab

Technical Services configured new PC's and monitors for the Nursing Lab.

Library Laptop Trial

Technical Services configured 6 laptops to be used in testing status for the library. These laptops are for student use and have all Microsoft Applications installed.

Payroll Division

Technical Services configured loaner laptops for payroll staff to use after hours for inputting data in Datatel in order to meet end-of-month deadline.

Interpreter Training Program

Technical Services set up mini laptops for Interpreter Training Program in an effort to enhance their technology.

Biology Lab

Technical Services completed a new Biology Lab consisting of 25 PC's and monitors. This will enhance the labs with special equipment in order to use websites and other software during class time. Also, configured Deep Freeze software on the PC's in order to help improve the security of each unit from viruses and malware.

Computer Works Lab

In order to provide students with the best technology possible, Technical Services completed the setup of 41 new PC's for Computer Works Lab. Computer Works is in the process of updating additional labs with new desktops and printers with new technology as well.

Recycled Desktops

Technical Services recycled 7 desktops from ESL Lab in an effort to provide newer and better computers to other staff/faculty members in the International Department in Pace Hall. The ESL Lab received new computers in July and will recycle the old PC's for staff that has outdated equipment.

Admissions

Technical Services set up new laptops for new and existing staff for the Admissions Office.

ESL Lab

Technical Services setup 18 new PC's for the ESL Lab. The old PC's will be used in other labs and for office staff.

Digital Displays

Technical Services completed a digital display project during the Summer. The displays were deployed in high traffic areas in an effort to provide our end-user with up-to-date information and alert notifications.

The alert notification system will displays a message on the screen regarding the type of alert as well as an audible alarm, so student in the dorm rooms can be alerted of any alerts such as bad weather.

Displays have been deployed in the following building.

Adams Admin

Trojan Center

Hamil

Gardner

Shackleford

Pace

Cowart

Clements

Bldg 400

Bldg 300

Bldg 200

Bldg 100

Alumni

Projects are underway to deploy displays in Bibb Graves Hall and locations at the Montgomery campus as well.

Bibb Graves Instructional Technology

Technical Services work with the College of Business and Howard Technology in an effort to get all instructional technology classrooms complete prior to the re-opening of Bibb Graves. The instructional classrooms are equipped with the following technology.

Global Campus News

PAETEC Intrusion Detection and Prevention System

In June the Atlantic Region signed an agreement with PAETEC to provide T1 lines and various security products. PAETEC provides a professionally managed MPLS VPN service that uses the latest MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) technology to provide the Atlantic Regions employees with secure access throughout the Atlantic Region network.

PAETEC's IDPS (Intrusion Detection and Prevention System) consists of a set of quadruple-redundant, geographically diverse Intrusion Prevention Sensors (IPS) in line with PAETEC's Network Firewall located at each of PAETEC's eight major internet peering points. A centralized, redundant event correlation engine retrieves information from the IPS, correlates the information, and alerts the PAETEC Security Operations Center, which actively monitors the IDPS service 24 x 7 x 365.

PAETEC's web filtering and reporting product is a McAfee developed product that is maintained through a web interface. The web filtering product will also assist in blocking sites that are deemed malicious such as infected with malware or phishing.

The final phase of this project will take place over the next few months and we are looking forward to working with PAETEC in the future.

E-mail System Upgrade

Datatel User Interface

A new web-based interface to the Datatel Administrative system will be tested in the coming months.

Web Redesign

Troy IT is working with Marketing and Communications to develop a new web presence for Troy.

Wireless Re-Distribution Project (Troy Campus)

IT Network Division has been working with the City of Troy on installation of Wireless Security Cameras around the perimeter of campus. These cameras have been installed to assist both Troy University and the City of Troy Police Department in providing additional security features for campus.

Credit Cards for Concessions (Troy Campus)

IT Network Division assisted Sodexho in installing credit card machines in all of the football stadium concession stands. Each concession has at least 1 credit card machine and more are on order. IT and Sodexho are communicating about installing POS cash registers in the concession stands by next fall.